The Big Boss
Directed by Lo Wei · 1971 ·
Is The Big Boss worth watching?
Yes. The Big Boss (1971) earns a 68% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audiences (79%) responded more warmly than critics (71%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as 唐山大兄 El gran jefe Kárate a muerte en Bangkok Big Boss Die Todesfaust des Cheng Li O Dragão Chinês ドラゴン危機一発 당산대형
Theatrical release Where to watch
- WeTV
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch The Big Boss by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| India | WeTV |
| Indonesia | WeTV |
| Japan | Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT, WeTV |
| Malaysia | WeTV |
| Philippines | WeTV |
| South Korea | Wavve, TVING, WeTV |
| Thailand | WeTV |
| United Arab Emirates | WeTV |
| United States | WeTV |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (71/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (79%).
- Metascore is generally favorable (62/100).
- Celluloid Score 68% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
Not ideal for
- Viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is The Big Boss worth watching?
Yes — The Big Boss earns a 68% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits short runtime — easy weeknight watch, but viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films may want to skip it. Read our full review (3.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
Lee’s first leading role, and the moment Hong Kong action stopped imitating anyone — raw, cheap, and electrifying whenever he moves.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Audiences (79%) responded more warmly than critics (71%).
What is The Big Boss about?
Cheng is a young Chinese mainlander who moves in with his expatriate cousins to work at an ice factory in Thailand. He does this with a family promise never to get involved in any fights. However, when members of his family begin disappearing after meeting the management of the factory, the resulting mystery and pressures force him to break that vow and take on the villainy of the Big Boss.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
The Big Boss (1971) Review: A Star Held in Reserve
★★★½☆
The Big Boss is Bruce Lee's first Hong Kong leading role, a rough, low-budget revenge thriller set in Thailand that comes alive whenever he finally fights.
Yes, with caveats. It is crude and slow to ignite, but essential for Bruce Lee fans and anyone tracing how the Hong Kong action boom began.
The Big Boss stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.
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The Big Boss: frequently asked questions
Is The Big Boss worth watching?
Yes. The Big Boss (1971) has a Celluloid Score of 68%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch The Big Boss?
In the United States, The Big Boss streams on WeTV with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: WeTV in India; WeTV in Indonesia; Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT, WeTV in Japan; WeTV in Malaysia. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is The Big Boss?
The Big Boss runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).
What is The Big Boss rated?
The Big Boss is rated R in the United States, M in Australia, R in Canada, 15 in South Korea and R-15 in Japan. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in The Big Boss?
The Big Boss is directed by Lo Wei and stars Bruce Lee, Maria Yi, James Tien Chun, Marilyn Bautista, Han Ying-Chieh.
What is the Metascore for The Big Boss?
Metacritic's Metascore for The Big Boss is 62 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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